NJ emergency management watches Hurricane Jose’s track

TRENTON — Emergency management officials will spend the weekend watching the track of Hurricane Jose for its potential impact on New Jersey.

"Right now we're really monitoring and speaking with our state emergency management partners and speaking with our county coordinators and letting those preparations happen at a local level," Laura Connolly, spokeswoman for the NJ Office of Emergency Management, told New Jersey 101.5.

New Jersey 101.5 Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow does not expect Jose to make a direct hit on the Jersey Shore.

"I’m calling this a 'close call' forecast, because if Hurricane Jose wiggles 50 miles in either direction, the forecasted impacts could change significantly. Perhaps if you live along the coast, in an area particularly vulnerable to tidal flooding, you should take some preparation steps this weekend. Tie down or take out the boat, bring in or secure patio furniture, and stock up on beverages," Zarrow said.   

Jose's biggest effect on New Jersey so far continues to be the rough surf along the shore. The National Weather Service said there is a moderate risk of rip currents with 3- to 4-foot waves.

Connolly said that a lot of the planning for Jose at this point is at a local level, especially along the coast line and back bay areas.

"At the local level, county level you know your areas that flood during a full moon high tide cycle ... any place you think there may be additional flooding in those areas that can be as simple as setting up a traffic detail," Connolly said.

Connolly said all members of Task Force 1 are back in New Jersey with the members sent to Florida returning to the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehust on Friday.

Considering September is Preparedness Month, Connolly said this weekend is a good opportunity to take time to make sure your emergency kit is ready no matter what Jose does.

"Emergency kits will allow individuals and families to survive several days without access to food, water or electricity," Connolly said.

An emergency kit can be a duffle bag or gym bag that can easily be grabbed and you are told to evacuate immediately.  It should include:

• A three to five day supply of non-perishable food and water
• Prescription medications for up to two weeks if available
• Baby supplies
• Pet supplies
• Any additional items for special medical needs such as an extra pair of eye glasses and batteries for hearing aids
• Important phone numbers for doctors
• Car cell-phone chargers
• Extra clothing
• Copies of important documents and phone numbers to get you through the first few critical days.

More information on putting together an emergency go-bag can be found at ready.nj.gov.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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